RICHARD PATRICK HOPE SPRAGUE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RICHARD PATRICK HOPE SPRAGUE Richard Patrick Hope Sprague was born in Winnipeg, February 18, 1918 and passed away on July 14, 2010. Richard is survived by his nieces, Sally (Jack) Lipkind, and her children, Blair and Katy; Jane Sprague of Calgary and nephew John (Lauren) Sprague of Georgetown and her children, Jay and Kelly. Richard was predeceased by his loving wife Ethel; parents, John and Marion Sprague; brother and sister-in-law, John and Patricia Sprague. Richard was educated at Forte Rouge, Earl Grey and Kelvin High Schools. In 1936 to 1942 he was employed by Olsen, Hammond, and Wanton Limited in the mortgage, loan and insurance departments. 1942 to 1946 he served in the Armed Forces during the Second World War, joined the third Btn. Royal Winnipeg Rifles on mobilization, promoted to Lieutenant in 1943. Richard volunteered for the service in the British Army in preparation for the invasion of Europe under the code name Canadian . Richard was included in an overseas draft in 1944, and was posted to the 11th Btn. Durham Light Infantry, which landed on Normandy beaches on D Day, June 6, 1944. In late June, Richard was wounded in England, hospitalized at the Royal Liverpool Infirmary. Transferred from hospital to a refit centre in Colchester. It was here at the Red Lion Inn that the Canadian Army Affairs Association was formed. Posted to Northern Ireland, retraining Royal Navy personnel for the infantry, and then served as guard company commander of a large P.O.W camp near Brussels, Belgium for German S.S. troops. January 1946, he returned to Canada and was discharged soon after. 1946 to 1949 Richard was employed by Olsen, Hammond, and Wanton Ltd. as a casualty insurance adjuster. 1949 to 1958 was employed for Manitoba Hospital Services Association (Blue Cross), was claims and hospital relations' manager and served as chairman of the hospital claims and relations committee of the Canadian Counsel of Blue Cross Plans. In April 1958, the Manitoba government announced the formation of a compulsory hospital plan and Richard was appointed director of Registration and Premium Collections. February 1960 to 1980, Richard was employed by the Manitoba Medical Association as executor Vice President and in September 1980, Richard gave notice of retirement, and he was made an honorary life member of the association. Prior to retirement, Richard was a counsel member of the Manitoba Division of the Red Cross. From 1981 to 1989 he served on the board of directors of the blue cross research foundation. He was a member of the YMCA business mens club for many years; was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion since 1946 and served as branch president in 1952. Richard was a member of the Winnipeg Rowing Club; Granite Curling Club; Winnipeg Winter Club; Charleswood Golf Club and served in the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders Militia. Richard and Ethel enjoyed winter vacations and travelled extensively. By request, no flowers or donations please. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 17, 2010